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Manitoba Government to Introduce New Rules to Help Families Get Fair, Upfront Deal on Home Improvement Projects

The Manitoba government will introduce a new initiative to improve consumer protection for families undertaking home improvement projects, Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection Minister Ron Lemieux announced today at a local hardware store.

“Whether it’s renovating a kitchen or bathroom, replacing a roof or building a garage, tens of thousands of Manitoba families plan major home renovation projects every year,” Minister Lemieux said.  “We’ve listened to families concerns about home renovations including paying more than they expected or facing lengthy delays on the renovation work.  Our government’s latest consumer protection legislation would ensure homeowners get an upfront price and timeline for most home improvement projects in a written contract.”

The proposed measures would address concerns identified by many Manitobans earlier this year through a public consultation including issues about unclear communication with contractors, confusion over pricing and project delays.  

To address these issues, the Manitoba government will:

• require written contracts for most home improvement projects;
• ensure contracts lay out the project, the price, payment terms and timelines; and
• see consumers receive a copy of the contract before any work can begin.

The Manitoba government also worked closely with the home renovation industry to ensure the new  rules will make sense for contractors and others offering home improvement services.

“We have long advocated the best way to ensure consumers are satisfied with a home improvement project is to get it in writing,” said Mike Moore, president, Manitoba Home Builders’ Association.  “The Manitoba government’s proposed initiative will do just that, helping to ensure consumers and contractors are on the same page, which will avoid surprises later on.”

Contractors who sell home improvement services by direct sale, such as unsolicited offers in the mail or by going door-to-door, must also comply with the requirements for direct sellers under the Consumer Protection Act.

This initiative will build on other consumer protection steps the Manitoba government has taken to protect families’ largest investment - their home - including laws requiring good new-home warranties and ensuring home buyers and sellers get an upfront, fair deal from real estate agents, the minister said.